NEW Prétencious Coq Cabernet Sauvignon

Pairs with: Grilled herb-marinated chicken skewers, classic pasta Bolognese, wood-fired pizza with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, char-broiled gourmet burgers topped with sharp cheddar, or a casual cheese board featuring Camembert and mild Brie.

Good for: Injecting a dose of lighthearted humor and cheeky charm into a casual dinner party; breaking up formal wine tasting sessions with an easygoing, unapologetic table red; or gifting to friends who appreciate witty branding backed by genuine, sun-baked French quality.

Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I am from: IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France (Sourced from 20- to 40-year-old estate-tended vines rooted in clay-limestone soils strewn with sun-soaked river pebbles).

The Story: The inspiration for Prétencious Coq began as a self-aware joke during a wine-fueled summer dinner in France. As a group of winemaking friends laughed about the quintessential clichés foreigners associate with French culture—wine, baguettes, croissants, Paris, the iconic rooster (le coq), and a reputation for being delightfully pretentious—they decided to embrace the stereotypes completely. Created under the Meridiem Wines portfolio, the goal was to poke fun at high-snobbery wine culture while serving a genuinely well-made, accessible wine.

Tucked into the sun-drenched Mediterranean landscape of the Pays d'Oc, mature 20- to 40-year-old vines absorb steady daytime heat tempered by coastal sea breezes. In the cellar, the winemakers focus entirely on fresh, unadulterated fruit purity. The grapes undergo a gentle pneumatic pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Completely bypassing oak aging, the wine rests in tank to lock in the grape's natural, juicy fruit character, creating a vibrant, supple red that captures the sunny soul of Southern France without taking itself too seriously.

Why You'll Love Me: It is a bright, juicy, and beautifully balanced red that trades stiff formality for pure, effortless enjoyment—offering generous black fruit and garrigue charm with zero harsh tannic weight. In the glass, it pours a clear ruby-red with vivid violet highlights. The nose is instantly expressive and inviting, opening with an aromatic bouquet of ripe black cherries, wild raspberries, and juicy black plums, layered over top notes of fresh green pepper, dried Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of sweet licorice. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, medium-bodied stride; succulent red and black fruits are framed by soft, melted tannins and a lively beam of refreshing acidity. Clean, approachable, and endlessly drinkable, it glides into a supple, fruit-forward finish marked by a trailing touch of spice and a stone-dust mineral snap.